Malaysian Man and Thai Wife Arrested for Investment Scam in Thailand
A Malaysian man and his Thai wife were apprehended in Songkhla for allegedly running investment scams via fake mobile applications, causing losses totaling 800 million baht.
The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) reported on Thursday that Lim Chin, 38, and his wife Saowalak were arrested at the Sadao district border checkpoint in Songkhla while crossing from Malaysia.
The couple’s arrest came after a string of complaints regarding fraudulent investment schemes promoted on Facebook, featuring photos of well-known securities experts. Victims were drawn into using fake mobile apps such as “Nicshare” and “ComonApps,” with initial returns provided to lure them further.
The CIB identified over 50 victims, who collectively lost an estimated 800 million baht to the scam. The investigation revealed a wider network of scammers, including both Thais and foreigners, with financial transactions linked to the scheme amounting to around 5 billion baht. The bureau has issued arrest warrants for about 50 individuals connected to the fraud ring over the past several months.
According to the CIB, Lim Chin was identified as the gang leader, and he and his wife helped establish companies that set up mule bank accounts. These accounts were then sold to groups across Southeast Asia. The mule accounts were linked to call scam centers, online gambling operations, and other illicit activities, the CIB reported.